For 25 years local businesses have been partnering with the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC) to help our communities thrive. In fact, they played a pivotal role in the founding of CFMC, and in setting the community foundation on a path of building community through philanthropy, leadership, and partnership. Today we continue to strengthen those relationships and are privileged to work with many local businesses, large and small, to ensure that Middlesex County is the best place to live, work, and play. Allow us to introduce you to a few that exemplify the many ways of giving back through community collaborations.

When the pandemic disrupted life as we knew it, Pratt & Whitney, like many businesses, immediately stepped up to help where it was needed most. Through monetary donations to CFMC’s Live Local Give Local Emergency Fund, their dollars were leveraged with other contributions in support of nonprofit programs and services throughout the county. By working with others, they helped ensure that children of essential workers had access to childcare programs, that seniors continued to receive in-home meals, that community food pantries were stocked, that neuro-diverse students had access to virtual programs and support services, that underserved communities received wellness packages, and that women and families had access to counseling and support services. Pratt & Whitney’s commitment to the community makes a real difference not just during extraordinary times, but each and every day.

Guilford Savings Bank and its employees just “get COMMUNITY” and are well-known for their involvement. For several years, they have partnered with CFMC to support local nonprofits through the sponsorship of a half-day workshops where nationally recognized trainers provide professional skills development for staff and board members alike. They also worked with CFMC to establish the Guilford Savings Bank Charitable Fund, which provides annual educational assistance awards to graduating Old Saybrook High School seniors, as well as support to nonprofit organizations working with low-to-moderate income individuals in Middlesex County. Their commitment to the local communities they serve is a true reflection of our “Live Local, Give Local” mantra.

Bill’s Seafood Restaurant is a shoreline landmark known to all, especially for its support of local youth. Each year, it hosts a golf tournament to raise funds in support of scholar-athletes who plan to further their education at a four-year college, community college, business school, or vocational school. A committee of dedicated volunteers organizes all aspects of the scholarship fundraising event. Several years ago, they decided to establish the Bill’s Seafood Golf Tournament Athletic Scholar Fund at CFMC to maximize the impact of their efforts. Today they are realizing their goal of providing more financial assistance to local youth and making an immediate—and future—impact on the entire community.

As we celebrate 25 years of partnerships, we salute all local businesses that help improve the quality of life throughout Middlesex County. Now more than ever, we recognize their value in our daily lives. We recognize every donor, volunteer, nonprofit, friend, and neighbor. Your caring and generous ways help us build a better today and brighter tomorrow for all. We invite you to learn more about how you can help our local communities continue to thrive. Call CFMC at 860-347-0025 or visit MiddlesexCountyCF.org.